Dental Implants

Dental implants are a time tested solution to restoring missing teeth.

Dental Implants

Having difficulty chewing because of a missing tooth? Or tired of dentures sliding out of position in the mouth?

Find a permanent solution for missing teeth with dental implants and give your smile the second chance it deserves.

Dental implants permanently fill up gaps due to lost teeth. They also protect the other teeth and reduce bone. They are durable and are made to look and feel just like your natural teeth. Once completed, you might even forget they are replacements.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a lost tooth and comprises three parts:

  • a titanium screw that replaces the root of your tooth
  • an abutment – a connector between the screw and the crown
  • a dental implant crown.

Dental implants mimic natural teeth and are surgically anchored into place on top of the jawbone. As a permanent fixture in your mouth, they cannot be taken out at night, unlike dentures, which will need to be removed before bed time.

Bone grafting may be required if there is bone loss or low bone density in the jaw. Having a bone graft can help to stimulate bone growth and prepare the jaw bone for dental implants.

How are dental implants placed in the mouth?

Dental implants are surgically placed beneath the gum line, at the top of your jaw bone.

Your dental surgeon will start the dental implant procedure with anesthesia to numb the surgery site before making a small incision into the gum line. A tooth socket for the implant is created by drilling into the bone. The oral surgeon then inserts titanium screws that act as anchors for holding dental crowns or bridges once the site is healed after a few months.

A tooth-shaped cap called an abutment is screwed onto the titanium screw. Once the implant is in place, your dentist will place some sutures to close the gums.

What should I expect during the dental implant procedure?

The whole process takes about 6 months to a year on average.

Our dentist will assess your overall health and ability to accept the implant before starting the treatment plan. In some cases, a bone or gum graft may also be done on the site of the implant to ensure there is enough support before inserting the implant.

Once the implant is placed in the bone, it is left to heal for about 4 to 6 more months. A crown will then be created, installed, and you will be ready to show off your brand new tooth.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are a more permanent solution to lost teeth than dentures, and can help to anchor partial dentures to your mouth. They are also more comfortable to chew and speak with than dentures, because they usually feel just like natural teeth.

You can also expect to improve your ability to chew and speak after a successful dental implant.

Are dental implant treatments painful?

You should not feel any pain during dental implant procedures due to the anesthesia.

During the healing process, your dentist can advise you on post-oral surgery care and how to minimise the risk of infection. You may have some discomfort or swelling that lasts about a few days up to a week after surgery. Other side effects may include bruising or minor bleeding, for which your dentist may prescribe painkillers.

Do dental implants feel natural?

Dental implants may look and feel more natural compared to other types of teeth replacement methods.

However, it is worth it to note that the roots of your natural teeth contain nerve endings which enable you to feel sensations such as temperature and pressure. And because dental implants are artificial teeth without roots that contain nerve endings, you will likely not feel the exact same sensations in the dental implant as you would with your natural teeth.

How much do dental implants cost?

At NTUC Health Denticare, a single dental implant will cost from $1,700* with a general dentist, or $2,100* with a specialist, depending on the complexity of the case. An implant crown will cost from $1,800 onwards.

A number of factors will determine how much a dental implant costs and what you should expect from the timeline. These factors include but are not limited to:

  • Number of missing teeth (single tooth replacement or multiple teeth replacement)
  • Type of missing tooth that you want replaced (incisor teeth, canine teeth or molar teeth)
  • Type of surgical procedure required (surgery to lift the sinus cavities, bone grafting surgery, gum surgery prior to beginning treatment)
  • Brand of implant used
  • Type of material used for the restorative crown
  • Dentist’s level of experience

Are the procedures for dental implants subsidised?

Patients who are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents of Singapore may be able to claim a portion of their dental implant surgery expenses from their Medisave Account.

In the event that your Medisave balance is insufficient, your immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings or children) may use their Medisave to help you with the bill payment. Please note that the use of Medisave is still subject to Medisave withdrawal limits.

Do note that dental implant procedures are not subsidised under CHAS, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation discounts.

How can I use Medisave to pay for a dental implant?

To offset your dental implant cost, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can claim up to $950 for a single tooth implant from their Medisave account.

Procedures CoveredMedisave Withdrawal Limit (S$)
Single dental implantUp to $950

Note: The amount claimable is stipulated in surgery tables set by MOH in Singapore. The above table is only a simple guide and the final amount may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the withdrawal limits set by MOH. The final amount deductible from the Medisave Account is dependent on the final approval by MOH.

When is an implant done by a general dentist versus a specialist?

Whether an implant can be done by a general dentist or requires a specialist, depends on the complexity of the situation. This is determined on a case by case basis after a consultation with our NTUC Health Denticare dentists.

Tips on maintaining your teeth after getting a dental implant

Here are some tips to help you look after your implants, as well as your remaining natural teeth

  • Make time for regular visits to your local NTUC Health Denticare dentist.
  • Stick to soft foods immediately after your dental implant procedure. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods, such as nuts and candy bars, until the dental implants have fully integrated into the bone.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene: it is important to brush your teeth twice daily if you have implants, just as you would with natural teeth. Do remember to brush along the gum line with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to remove residual plaque and floss around the implant.


Click here for more answers to frequently asked questions.

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